Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has directed the commencement of the reconstruction of Ita-Oshin-Ayetoro road in Ogun West Senatorial District.
He has directed the Ministry of Works to carry out an assessment of the road preparatory to the reconstruction plan.
The governor made this known during the commissioning of the 7-kilometre Ibooro/Imasayi/Ayetoro road in Yewa North Local Government Area.
He said that it had become expedient to reconstruct the federal road which he said would not make movement from Abeokuta to Ibooro and other communities enjoyable if left undone.
Abiodun, while noting that his administration would divide the road into phases, said that movement from the state capital to Ayetoro would soon become a pleasurable drive.
“On my way here from Abeokuta, I rode through the Ita-Oshin to this intersection. I asked my Special Adviser, how many kilometres bearing in mind that this is yet another federal road amongst so many federal roads that we have in Ogun State.
“This road will not allow us to reap the full benefit of this road that we are doing from Imasayi to Ayetoro. We have to do something about it and I want to make that pronouncement today.
“I have instructed that the Ministry of Works immediately come here and do an assessment of the road from Ita-Oshin to Ibooro. We will divide that road into phases, maybe two or three phases and we will begin the immediate reconstruction of that road.
“We have left it initially because the Federal Government promised that they were going to reconstruct it. But as you can see, they are not ready. Rest assured that coming from Abeokuta to Ayetoro very soon will be a very pleasurable drive,” he said.
Prince Abiodun also launched the second phase of the Ibooro/Imassyi/Ayetoro road, even as he promised its timely completion.
The governor while noting that his administration has commissioned more roads in Yewaland than any other government in the last sixteen years, added that his administration is not bothered by naysayers, but is fully committed to the development of the state.
Abiodun, while appealing to the people of the state to continue to support the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration, said that the deregulation of the petroleum industry by the president would bring better times for the country.
The state helmsman also disclosed that the president, since he deregulated the petroleum sector had ensured constant engagement with state governors to ensure that palliatives are put in place to reduce its impact.
He added that his administration has started to domesticate some of the palliative measures, saying that the effect would soon be felt by the people of the state.
Governor Abiodun also disclosed that grains, rice, and maize released by the Federal Government to state governments would soon be distributed to the people across the length and breadth of the state in another ten days.
He said that a committee that will include those in government, traditional rulers, community development associations, market men and women and religious leaders that would ensure the even distribution of the food items would be constituted soon.
He charged youths, residents of the community, and the traditional rulers to take charge and ownership of the road, thanking the paramount ruler of Yewaland for his leadership role.
Earlier in his remarks, the Special Adviser, Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya noted that the road which had been in bad condition before its reconstruction would bring succour to the residents of surrounding communities and mitigate flooding, which was initially common in the area.
He added that the road would also enable smooth transportation of farm produce, commuters, and motorists.
“The total length of the road to Ayetoro is 21 kilometres, with a width of 8 kilometres.
“The phase one we are commissioning today is 7 kilometres, which has been completed and is being commissioned today. The reconstruction of phase two would soon commence,” he said.
The Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle appreciated Prince Abiodun for opening up not only Yewaland, but the entire state.
Oba Olugbenle, who also urged the governor to complete phase two of the 21-kilometre stretch of the road, said that the people of the district appreciate him for his passion and commitment to developing all parts of the state.
The Iyaloja General of Ogun State, Alhaja Yemisi Abass, while appreciating Governor Abiodun for giving the people of the town who are predominantly farmers an avenue to get their farm produce to the market, also thanked him for making movement easy for them.
She urged the governor to put naysayers to shame with the completion of the second phase of the road, adding that the total completion of the road would ensure the overall prosperity of the people.
